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Band width

Initially worn to express the wearer's support for a cause, teenagers now flaunt the bands to make a statement, says HARJEET KAUR ALLAGH

PHOTO: RAJU. V.

BONDING WITH BANDS A unique way to show oneness

Neoprene wristbands are the latest fad with the youth. Girls and boys sport these `cool' and colourful bands around their wrists and carry them with panache . The solidarity drive launched by the Lance Armstrong Foundation to support the cause of cancer research in the United State of America last year has spread to all corners of the world. The Foundation came out with yellow wristbands with the words Live Strong embossed on them. The cost of each band was $1 and the proceeds went to the cancer research centre. Many people in North America bought them and adorned their wrists to help the cause. Lance Armstrong is a renowned cyclist, who survived cancer and went on to win the prestigious `Tour De France' cycling contest.

Taking cue from the Armstrong Foundation, many others joined the bandwagon to support the cause of the victims of AIDS, breast cancer, Katrina and tsunami.

Mind-blowing shades

These bands usually come in bright colours. From black, white or any other rainbow colour, the realm of the hues extends to fluorescent shades. Celebrities have begun to endorse these bands, which not only look trendy but make a style statement too.

The latest to hit the Indian shores are ankle bands. Girls of the hip and happening genre, who feel that wearing anklets is outdated, are sporting these ankle bands match very well with their western wear. "Ankle bands worn with short skirts or capris look cool," says bubbly and stylish Divya. "In fact, these bands are now available at every store and are selling like hot cakes," points out Sushant, owner of a fancy store.

Not all men can wear jewellery on their self with ease . But the silicone bands are easy to handle. So, one can proudly flaunt them. "It lends a touch of gentleness to my macho image," says Surendra, a B.Tech graduate. Fascinated by the `band' magic, his friend Vamsee Krishna has bought himself one. Suhail and Vaseem, both intermediate students, wear it because girls take a second look at them when they notice their bands.

Srinivas, who never enjoyed any additional accessories on his body , now sports a wristband to demonstrate oneness with his peers.

Buddies forever

For Ishita and Chaitanya, these circles of rubber and silicone make good gifts as they come in various designs with slogans like `Friendship Forever' embossed on them. Pink wristbands are for supporting breast cancer, while black and white bands are for combating racism. The Cry Foundation has blue and black interlinked bands with the slogan— "I did, so they too' which means that I had a good childhood and they deserve it too.

Sania Mirza too endorsed a wristband in association with a private TV channel to help the cause of children with heart ailments.

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